Governance

The administrative hierarchy comprises the Dean of the Faculty, the Associate Dean, the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, the Associate Dean for Development, and the Associate Dean for the Female Campus.

The Dean is the academic, administrative and financial head of the Faculty. The Dean’s responsibilities include recommendations to the University President for the appointment of Associate Deans (appointed for two years), as well as appointments of the heads of administration and academic department chairs, public relations, finance, student affairs, information technology, and maintenance.

There is a Faculty Council whose members include the Dean as the Chairman, all Associate Deans and Chairpersons of the academic departments. The aim of the council is to oversee all academic and administrative affairs of the Faculty. Each department also has a Departmental Council which is responsible for planning and delivery of the agreed policies.

The National Higher Education Infrastructure

KAU follows the national Higher Education Infrastructure. The major components of the higher education system in Saudi Arabia are the Council of Higher Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, universities' network distributed throughout the country, and a number of specialized colleges and institutions.

The Council of Higher Education

The Council of Higher Education is the supreme governing body for all universities and institutions of post-secondary education in Saudi Arabia. The Council is chaired by His Majesty The King, and the Minister of Higher Education serves as the Deputy Chairman. Members include the government’s ministers responsible for planning, finance, education, and civil service; the rectors of the universities; and other senior government officials concerned with post-secondary education. The Council is responsible for approving the creation of new institutions of higher education and new academic units and programs. It coordinates the activities of the institutions of higher education, and approves bylaws and guidelines for university operations.

The Ministry of Higher Education

The Minister of Higher Education is the immediate supervisor for the rectors of all Saudi Universities. He ensures that all operations of the universities are carried out in accordance with the Charter of the Council of Higher Education and Universities, and related regulations.

The University Board

Each university has a board chaired by the Minister of Higher Education while the rector serves as the deputy chairman. Membership of the Board includes the Secretary General of the Council of Higher Education, the vice rectors, the deans, and three external members appointed by the Minister of Higher Education. The Board is responsible for all university operations, it grants degrees to students, approves curricula of existing departments, and makes recommendations to the Council of Higher Education in other matters.

The Rector or President of the University

The Rector is the chief academic and executive officer of the University. He is responsible for administering its affairs in accordance with the Charter of the Council of Higher Education and the Universities, government orders, and decisions of the Council of Higher Education and the University Board. He also represents the University in contacts with outside organizations.